Help please-PC address book hacked

**NannyBrook** · 22-04-2010, 00:03

Our computer is covered by McAffee and Spyware Doctor. Despite regular scans using both, our computer has been invaded by 'something' which is going through the address book sending out advertisements to everyone listed. I have used McAffee, Spyware Doctor, Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and Microsoft Security Essentials but the results are always 'no malicious ware found on your computer'. Can you advise me how to get rid of this unwanted 'bug' please?
With thanks-NannyBrook

**SteveandJan** · 22-04-2010, 14:09

I read something in the news today about the McAfee spyware having problems with the latest update. You may well want to contact them.

**florida4sun** · 22-04-2010, 14:32

This could be a server side bug.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by NannyBrook
Our computer is covered by McAffee and Spyware Doctor. Despite regular scans using both, our computer has been invaded by 'something' which is going through the address book sending out advertisements to everyone listed. I have used McAffee, Spyware Doctor, Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and Microsoft Security Essentials but the results are always 'no malicious ware found on your computer'. Can you advise me how to get rid of this unwanted 'bug' please?
With thanks-NannyBrook
[/quote]

**athurstance** · 22-04-2010, 15:49

Are you sure it is on your pc - are the emails being sent from a hotmail or yahoo email address? If so it may have been hacked via their server rather than your pc. If it is an online account - change your password asap. Other than that there really isn't much you can do.
I've had it happen to my yahoo account and it is very embarrassing but I think people understand that it is not you sending these emails.

**KJH** · 25-04-2010, 01:34

Mcafee are the problem, it happened to my daughters computer and the link with her blackberry. You have to uninstall, it's a universal problem and has affected companies as well as individuals. Better to have AVG - it's free to download.
McAfee have today issued a rouge update, which has crippled a number of businesses throughout the world.

Switch off your auto updates and update, otherwise you will have a problem.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...jTUVwD9F7KO082

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/04...alse_positive/

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/m...n-xp-machines/
Hope this helps

**Mr G** · 25-04-2010, 12:32

If Hotmail account, login and change your password. There are issues with Hotmail.

It is worth checking hotmail as you may well find many emails you are not aware of. [msnwink]

**Frosty** · 25-04-2010, 22:21

As KJH said, ditch Mcafee and don't consider Norton, thats [bad language filtered out] too.

Install AVG, its free and its one of the best out there.

Get it here:-

http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free

Also consider this great free programo, its called Malwarebytes and its very effective at ridding your PC of unwanted nasties:-

http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail...e/1186760019/1

Don't worry they are both completely safe, free, easy to use and very good.

**florida4sun** · 25-04-2010, 22:34

Just a note the free version of AVG does not give full protection, I know and I suffered....

**Dads_Taxi** · 25-04-2010, 23:40

I second that, I had a laptop trashed whilst it was "protected" by AVG Free. I had AVG pro on a couple of other computers but didn't renew the subscription because I felt let down. Running Avast now - so far so good.